Throughout Dave Eggers novel, The Circle, the author illustrates the relationship between data and privacy, showing the contradictory nature of these two thematic elements, forcing readers to reflect on the viewpoint in which the company takes on these issues in comparison to the effects of the relationship more obvious to readers.

In the novel, data is shown to have negative effects on privacy. When Mae first needed help in setting up her social profiles within the company, she mentioned to Gina that the task felt “extracurricular”. Gina, however, felt offended by the comment in that she considered the consistent commenting and participation within the InnerCircle and OuterCircle as essential to the work done at the Circle. Gina believes that the data creates a more connected community. She further points out that communication comes from the latin word communis which means “shared by all or many”. Gina, as well as other longtime Circlers, take on the belief that the endless communication within the company, through their data systems, is essential, in this way, eliminating privacy. By making a point to share every aspect of life at the Circle, users are limited in what knowledge is kept to themselves because the data is available for public consumption.

As Mae made a point to be more involved in the “inner” and “outer” social networks of the company, she failed to realize the effect it would have on her privacy. Although there was encouragement to seek out people like her, especially those who are children of parents with MS, Mae found it exhausting to keep up with these people. As she saw the endless exchange, Mae felt, “some darkness opening its wings within her,” (Eggers, 105). Mae felt that her father’s experience with MS was private and never even considered it as a workplace topic. Circlers feel that all parts of employees lives should be invested in the company, and use the data within the company to identify any areas in which employees do not forsake their privacy and in turn, urge them to get involved.

When Denise from human resources checks in with Mae’s progress, she believes that Mae is an enigma, a mystery in the eyes of Circlers. Because Mae still holds on to a desire to be private in some ways, the company feels the need to take action in making her understand the aspects of community that are so valued there. Efforts are made to get Mae more involved in social events. Mae’s whereabouts are made possible through data. Denise knew exactly what time she left for the weekend and when she returned on Monday morning. Mae can’t quite connect with the idea that the company wants to know everything about her, even what she watched on TV when she was at her parents house. Because the company holds Passion, Participation, and Transparency in high value, the data prevents any type of existence of privacy. Through participation in life at the Circle, circlers give up their privacy in order to be transparent. At the same time, this is a company highly regarded for the safe keep of highly important information. The values of the company and the role it plays in society cannot coexist.

Most students remember their first weekend at college as a memorable one. Maybe it’s their first time with a roommate, or maybe their first party, or maybe it’s their first chance to finally get to know the campus. Whatever the experience, most people remember it as a positive one, but for some people, it could be a traumatic one. On August 30th, 2016, Penn State’s first “Timely Warning” notification was sent out about a forcible sex offense that occurred on August 21st. These reports are sent because it’s “your right to know”. Since this date, five other “Timely Warnings” have been sent, and four of these five warnings have all been reports of forcible sexual assaults. That’s a problem…

As a student of Penn State University, I am entitled to know when there is a threat to the community or life on campus. Through the university’s timely warning announcements, all people at University Park are made aware of a reported incident that has occurred on campus and has affected people living here. In sending out these announcements, the community becomes civically engaged and is made aware of these issues. However, these notifications are linked to many other issues affecting civic life. Because of the presence of this artifact, people in the community are made aware of issues affecting students on campus, but the reports keep coming. It hasn’t stopped the problem.

Through the analysis of this artifact, it has drawn my attention to many concerns. In regards to the fact that basically all of the warnings issues have been about sexual assault, it made me question why more wasn’t being done to prevent it and raise awareness to the issue. In today’s society, rape is common. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every two minutes, resulting in an average of 288,820 victims per year in people 12 and older. Despite how many facts are presented or evidence of the problem, people never believe the victims. This calls attention to another issue. People assume that all victims are women. People assume that a women “asked for it” in the way she was dressed. People assume that men have more to lose when they are accused. This is the problem. People just assume things. Nobody takes the time to think about an issue until it makes the headlines. The Bill Cosby and Brock Turner cases are just two examples in which sexual assault and rape have brought to light in recent mainstream media. Why is it that people can talk about it when it’s in the media, but everyday victims can’t be heard? Rape culture and its implications has caused me to think about so many other issues. Rape is more than just a problem of violation and assault. It raises concerns on gender differences, equality, and stigmas. Through the analysis of this artifact, its role in civic life, and the further issues that branch from it, I hope to extensively evaluate the effect it has on people and give them another perspective on the conversation.

http://timely-warnings.police.psu.edu/university-park/230